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▲ SM Entertainment co-CEOs Jang Cheol-hyeok and Tak Young-joon were named to Billboard’s 2026 Indie Power Players. Provided by SM Entertainment
[SPOTV News = Reporter Kim Won-gyeom] SM Entertainment (SM) co-CEOs Jang Cheol-hyeok and Tak Young-joon have both been named to Billboard’s 2026 Indie Power Players list.
On May 8, Billboard published the 2026 Indie Power Players on its official website. Both Jang and Tak appear on this year’s list: Tak has been included five years in a row since 2022, and Jang has appeared three consecutive years beginning in 2024. Their repeated recognition underscores their influence and leadership in the global music industry.
Billboard has released the Indie Power Players list annually since 2017 to spotlight leaders of labels and distributors—outside Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment and Warner Music Group—who have achieved independent success in the worldwide music market.
Commenting on the honor, Jang said, “Earlier this year we announced the ‘SM Next 3.0’ strategy and launched a range of initiatives to strengthen creative capabilities across the organization. If SM continues to create and develop new trends, we will be able to connect with a broader global fanbase.”
Tak said the focus for artist content has shifted toward the experiences it delivers to fans. “We are expanding beyond music into the spaces where fans consume and spend time so we can deliver a consistent story and experience,” he said, highlighting the growing trend of experience-driven consumption centered on fan communities.
In March, Jang and Tak were also named to Billboard’s 2026 Global Power Players list.
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